Mini has improved the economy and lowered the emissions on its updated convertible.

But is it really an “Always Open” car you can drive top-down whatever the season? Auto Trader Editor Adrian Higgins test drove the new Mini Convertible in the snow and cold of Austria to find out.

What better way to prove your new generation convertible is weather-proof than launching it in Austria, in the snow, in January.

These were the conditions Mini chose for the launch of its “Always Open” second generation convertible.

Improved aerodynamics, aircon as standard and heated seats means alfresco motoring is no longer confined to summer, according to Mini.

Rollover hoops updated

So, after donning warm coats and hats, we picked up our yellow Mini Cooper S Convertible from Klagenfurt airport for a three hour roof-down drive at zero temperatures.

A big improvement over its predecessor's appearance was immediately obvious.

The pronounced rollover protection metal hoops have been replaced by a more discreet safety mechanism which activates in 15 millionths of a second, should the need arise.

(Later, the car's designer told Auto Trader this had been his number one priority when revising the car's looks and the swap carries the added safety bonus of  improved rear visibility.)

Roof off in 15 seconds

The only other significant external development has been raising the waistband, with Mini keen to emphasise gradual evolution of a model which exceeded all sales expectations, selling 164,000 worldwide since its 2004 launch.

In that time many manufacturers have taken a  tin-top approach but Mini has retained a canvas roof which can be retracted in fifteen seconds, and at speeds of up to 20mph, with a toggle switch in the front roof frame.

It was soon obvious sharp electric power steering  and superb handling matched Mini's “go kart-like” claims, thanks in part to the new car's stiffer shell (and that despite a 10kg weight reduction).

But perhaps more impressive is the smooth ride which exceeded our expectations for what is a genuinely sporty car, positioned as a roadster.

Fun and frugal driving

The quality became only more apparent as motorways gave way to poorly-surfaced mountain passes which the car took in its stride.

And Mini's point and press abilities really came into their own here, with handling to match – even with the roof off. Driving with the roof up revealed the canvas covering able to hold its own against metal-roofed rivals' in terms of noise-reduction.

The first models to go on sale, the Cooper S we drove in Klagenfurt, and the Cooper, will both be powered by new, four-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engines mated with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

These carry significant cost-saving benefits over the outgoing model through improved fuel economy and tax-cutting reduced CO2 emissions.

BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology and Stop/Start (which cuts the engine when idling and has been introduced to the convertible for the first time) also help the 175bhp Mini Cooper S reduce its CO2 emissions from 199g/km to 153g/km (down from tax band F to D, £210 a year to £145) and increase fuel economy from 34mpg to 44.1mpg.

The 120bhp Cooper's CO2 emissions drop from 174g/km to 137g/km (a reduction from tax band E to C, £170 to £120) and its fuel economy is improved from 49.6mpg to 38.7mpg.

This is also good news for company car drivers with Benefit in Kind tax reduced from 22 per cent to 15 per cent for the Cooper and 27 per cent to 18 per cent for the Cooper S.

Engine improvements

The Cooper S has a top speed of 138mph, 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and pulling power of 177lb/ft (192lb/ft with overboost) while the 120bhp Cooper has a top speed of 123mph, 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and 118lb/ft pulling power.

We found the Cooper S engine smooth and responsive and the gearbox's short throws satisfying, especially when our route slimmed to two lanes and headed for the hills. And there's more fun to be had with a sports button sharpening the steering further and perking up the gear changes on the automatic.

Anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control and dynamic stability control work with the car's inherent abilities to keep you on the straight and narrow. And we were able to put these to the test on a second day of driving following fairly heavy snowfall on a great route to a winter-driving test track in Bad Bleiburg.

Twice en route the car's back end took a different direction as we cornered through ice and snow but tenacious tyre grip, the car's sheer driveability and a little help from the drivers' aids ensured we were always in control.

Test track winner

I was able to put it to greater tests at the snow-coated track, where my input increased as the safety devices were reduced and finally dispensed with – but even then it was incredible how far I could push it before wiping out a clutch of cones on the last two bends.

“That means you have to buy everyone in the bar a drink,” said one of the stewards.

No cones were harmed when it came to a couple of laps with one of the original Flying Finns, Rauno Aaltonen.

The 1967 Monte Carlo rally winner (in a Mini of course) made short, impressive work of the course with driver inputs and control which really showed what the car can do.

Using left foot-braking he balanced the car beautifully into each corner before sending it drifting picturesquely through the most appropriate of conditions.

On the more practical side, luggage capacity has been increased by five litres to 125 litres with a total of 660-litres available with the rear seats folded and the roof closed.

Five star rating?

And though EuroNCAP ratings were not available at the time of writing, Mini is comfortable the combination of driver aids and four airbags will be enough to earn its customary five stars.

Over the course of two days we managed to get a good five or six hours of driving under our belts, much of it with the roof down and some of it when it was snowing.

And key changes to this revised model help it live up to the “Always Open” claim - even encouraging buyers to record how much top-down fun they are getting with the help of a £115 optional “openometer” housed in the information display.

Mini is the first to admit this isn’t essential to owning the convertible – but somehow it sums it up the car nicely.

Its a fun-packed convertible which also provides plenty of reasons why owning one makes good sense too.
 
The Mini Cooper Convertible comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, 2 rear seats, 50/50 split folding rear seats, 6-speed manual gearbox, active roll-over bar, manual air conditioning, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Auto Start/Stop, aux-in connection, bike rack preparation, Brake Energy Regeneration, convertible electric soft top, Corner Braking Control (CBC), Disc brakes all round – vented at front, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)including Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T), frameless electric front and rear windows, EPAS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), MINI Mobility System (MINI MS), distance control, Shift Point Display and sunroof function.

The Mini Cooper S Convertible adds 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, 6-speed manual gearbox, cloth chequered upholstery, engine scoop in body colour, honeycomb radiator grille, run-flat tyres, side indicator grilles with ‘S’ logo, stainless steel pedal and footrest covers, Sport button, sport seats, tailgate handle in body colour, twin chrome exhaust pipe, twin scroll turbocharger and white indicators. 17-inch rims are available as an option.

The Mini Cooper Convertible and Mini Cooper S Convertible will go on sale for the on-the-road price £15,995 and £18,995 when they go in the UK on 28 March 2009.

Mini Convertible: Rate it on the Auto Trader Cool-o-meter